5 FACTS AND FICTIONS ABOUT NIGERIA (Fun, but Serious): 1) FICTION: Mungo Park discovered River Niger FACT: Centuries before the arrival of white-men to Nigeria, our grand fathers/mothers goes to River Niger to bath, wash cassava, etc. So, even if they may not sail through the length and breath of the river, it is wrong to say that a white man came and discovered the river. 2) FICTION: Azikiwe, Awolowo, Tafawa Belewa, etc fought for Nigerias independence. FACT: Due to scores of deaths of British citizens as result of malaria caused by mosquito bites, the British govt voluntarily chose to relinquish power in all W/African countries. Then, there was no known cure for malaria, so the Europeans were dying at alarming rate in W/Africa, because their blood system were not used to malaria parasite. As a quick way out, they arranged to hand over power to any capable OR even incapable Nigerian, that are ready to take over power. Then, people as Zik, Awo, Belewa were handy. The British wanted to hand over power to them in 1957 and go home, but Northern Nigeria begged for more time, saying that they are not ready for independence. Finally, 1960 was agreed, and the white-men happily handed power over, and went home joyfully. That is why countries as Ghana, etc, got independence before us, as they took advantage of the opportunity earlier than us. So, the fact is that we owe our independence to power of mosquitoes, not to any struggle or pressure by Zik, Awlowo, Belewa, etc. 3) FICTION: Abacha is a patriotic Nigerian (according to centenary honor given to him by Fed Govt). FACT: Abacha is one of the most selfish unpatriotic Nigerian ever. He used power to elevate his ego and loot the country dry. Unless patriotism have another meaning, no person is his/her right mind can say that someone, whom it is alleged to loot between US$5 - 10 Billion from a poor 3rd-world country as Nigeria is patriotic. 4) FICTION: OLUSEGUN AREMU MATHEW OKIKOLA OBASANJOs claim that he loves Igbos during his 2003 presidential campaign in Okpara Square in Enugu, citing marrying (or concubinage to) Igbo woman. FACT: Obasanjo is one of angriest haters of Igbos. In fact, if OBJ have his way, no Igbo will hold any sensitive position in Nigeria for 100 years. Nigerians knows that OBJ doesnt forgive. He still remember the harsh days and nights he spent in the bush during Biafra war, and he is still bent on getting revenge till today. 5) FICTION: That Buhari hates Christians. FACT: Buharis antecedents shows that he gave reasonable opportunities to Christians in his appointments in various capacities, taking into consideration the realities on the ground. In fact, Buharis appointments of Christians, during his govt, are not worse than OBJs appointments of Muslims during his 8 years as civilian President. What I mean is that just as Buhari may have appointed more Muslims, OBJ did same by appointing more Christians. So, why should Buhari be labeled as religious fanatic, while nobody say same about OBJ? +++++++++++++ COMMENT: You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free. Distortion of facts, due to ones religion and ethnicity will not lead us to greatness. The way forward for Nigerians is to avoid fictions. We must base our judgements on facts rather than fictions and sentiments, and cultivate the spirit of forgiveness, so as to built a great country, able to look after the welfare of her citizens. Happy weekend!!
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 03:40:57 +0000
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